Imagine a cookie that speaks volumes — quite literally. American Tyler Rasch and Indian Nidhi Agrawal, both famous TV personalities in Korea, have baked a whole new way to experience the Korean language courtesy of Hangeul Kwaja.These are the first-ever “hangeul” character-shaped biscuits, launched to celebrate Hangeul Day, which commemorates the promulgation of Hangeul — the Korean alphabet — in 1446 by King Sejong of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), last year.Each packet of Hangeul Kwaja includes consonants and vowels that allow anyone to form common Korean words and phrases.According to founders Rasch and Agrawal, people enjoy making various words with the cookies. “Many start with their names, followed by ‘annyeong’ (hello), ‘saranghae’ (I love you) and ‘gomawo’ (thank you),” Rasch said during an interview with The Korea Times in Bukchon neighborhood in central Seoul, Tuesday. Both Rasch and Agrawal spoke in Korean for the interview.
Rasch has become a well-known figure in Korea, recognized from shows like “Non-Summit” and “Hot Brain: Problematic Men” for his linguistic skills and his recent focus on environmental issues. Agrawal moved to Korea in 2016, keen on bridging Indian and Korean markets. After gaining experience at several Korean companies, she launched her business.The concept for Hangeul-shaped snacks emerged while Rasch was considering motivational prizes for his English communication program, SpeakUp MeetUp, co-founded with Agrawal.”I remembered the alphabet cookies from my childhood and wondered if a Korean equivalent existed,” Rasch said.Surprisingly, it did not, leading to the idea of creating Hangeul Kwaja, with the aim of launching it on Hangeul Day, 카지노사이트 which falls on Oct. 9.